"T-Three thousand dollars?" For someone like Abigail, three thousand dollars was an astronomical figure just to have a chat and was enough to cover her living expenses for one or two months. She could not refuse to pay since she had already gone through the session."I can increase the amount if you feel that it's still too cheap." Finnigan was not clear about Abigail's purchasing power and worried that the low price he quoted caused her to doubt him."That's still considered cheap?" Worrying that Finnigan would suddenly charge more, she immediately took out her phone. "I'll pay right now, Mr. Yale."Finnigan turned on his phone and showed his electronic wallet QR code to Abigail's phone, and the money was immediately transferred, "Would you like to meet Mr. Zane together with me, Ms. Renee?""No thank you. I still want to rest here for a while," replied Abigail with an apologetic smile. When Finnigan left, she turned her attention toward her phone on the tea table, eagerly waiting
'If Nathan truly meant what he said, he should still have time to meet me, no matter how busy he is. He said he would be back on the eleventh two days ago, but I didn't get a direct reply when I asked if we could meet up. Tomorrow will be the eleventh. Will Nathan come back to Florivera? Will he contact me?'Abigail flipped through her chat with Nathan, wanting to take the initiative to ask him if he would be coming tomorrow. But, in the end, she deleted her unsent message when she was done typing it. 'I won't contact him for now.'After deciding that, she opened the new message that was sent to her. She excitedly lifted her head to look at Esther when she saw the message with the annotation of the sentence that she could not understand. "You're so brilliant, Esther! You even know the explanation to this Old Chrysalan sentence."Esther looked at Xander. She noticed him hinting at her and had no choice but to take the credit for herself. "I just so happen to read this book.""Then,
Esther did not want to see anything she could not understand, so she hurriedly waved her hand. "There's no need for that. I don't want to learn. Why don't you teach Abigail? Abigail wants to learn, and you want to teach, so don't drag me in. I'm a child who doesn't like to read.""You have to learn." Only then did Xander look at Abigail. His gaze landed on her figure, and it immediately softened quite a lot. "If you want to learn, you can also learn it."Abigail was very willing to accept such benefits. She excitedly bounced around and said, "I want to learn; I really want to learn it. Mr. Zane, can you wait for me for two minutes? I'll go grab my pen and notepad.""Go then." Watching her merry silhouette made Xander's mood cheerful like her.He was merely letting her study together, yet she was so happy that she was skipping. She was such a silly girl who was easy to please.Esther was forced into his study mode. Every time she heard a stanza of the poem, she grew so sleepy that
Then, Abigail took her phone out and entered TOP's official website to see tomorrow's auction schedule. The auction started the next night at eight. Hence, they would make it in time if they flew at noon tomorrow.She then checked the flight schedule for tomorrow from Florivera to Hayshiport. Florivera and Hayshiport were both the biggest cities in their region. There were many flights between the two locations, including night and day flights.Based on Xander's flight habits, Abigail booked a flight for ten in the morning. After a two-hour flight, they would be just in time for lunch. "Mr. Zane, I've booked a flight to Hayshiport for ten tomorrow morning."Xander just wanted to whisk Abigail away from Florivera to avoid the time when Nathan would return to Florivera. He did not consider that his single sentence would bring up so many matters for Abigail. "You don't need to prepare for anything else. I'm just going to take a look. You can continue to read your book.""Alright," Xan
Both of them were hugging and whispering to each other. It made Xander seem like an outsider in this situation. Esther liked Abigail from the bottom of her heart. Since Abigail could stay, she was ecstatic. "Abigail, let's go and have lunch. After all that crying, I'm even more hungry now."Abigail could not resist refusing the sly little girl. She gently ruffled her hair and agreed. "Okay. Let's have lunch."They both held their hand together and walked forward. None of them cared about Xander, who was behind them. Xander felt that they might not even remember him if he did not join their meal. Xander was not surprised that Esther liked Abigail so much. It was just like she said; Abigail was such a nice girl; she could make anyone like her.What made Xander truly curious about Abigail was that she had been hurt before, which made it hard for her to get acquainted with others. So, how did Esther easily open up her heart?He obviously had known Abigail for a longer time and spent mo
Esther had been focusing on Abigail the whole time and asked, "Abigail, can you eat spicy food?"Abigail chuckled, "I'm also a North Floriveran."Esther said, "What a coincidence! Not only do you have the same name as my sister-in-law, but you are also from the same city. You even became my brother's assistant. Our family truly is destined to meet you, Ms. Renee."Abigail, too, felt that this incident was very coincidental. People with Renee as a surname were rare, yet she even had the very same name as the young madam. This might be karma she earned through her many past lives."Does your mouth ever stop?" Xander was worried that Esther would raise Abigail's suspicion by talking too much. He immediately took a fork and put some food on Esther's plate. "How many times have I told you not to speak when you eat or sleep."Esther moved closer to Abigail and mumbled quietly, "Abigail, you can see that my brother is being too controlling. My sister-in-law is most likely the only person
The first message was, [Abigail, I'm coming back to Florivera tomorrow.]The second wrote, [When do you think we should meet up?]She agreed to be cold to him. But, when she saw that Nathan had sent a message, Abigail did not even remember to be cold like him. She hurriedly typed, [What time will you arrive at Florivera?]If he came to Florivera in the morning, she could still meet him before flying to Hayshiport. Nathan replied, [Two in the afternoon.]If it was two in the afternoon tomorrow, she would already be at Hayshiport. Abigail immediately felt defeated. [Sorry! I'll be going to Hayshiport with Xander tomorrow. I don't know when I will come back, so I won't be able to meet you tomorrow.][Then, I'll wait for you to come back, and we'll meet up.][Okay.]After she replied, Nathan did not send her any new messages. He did not even send a simple message, asking how she was doing these days. Instead, he did not say anything. Abigail held onto her phone. After thinking about
She had already arrived but not as the lady of the house. Xander wanted to say that, but his mouth blurted out another word. "Soon."Susanna said, "That's good, that's good. You don't know how long I've been looking forward to having a lady in this house. In the past, I assumed that till the day I die, I won't be able to wait for her. I will finally be able to see it now."Susanna had watched Xander grow up and treated Xander like her own child. She knew that he had been alone these years, and he would bear everything alone with no one by his side to care for him. Now, she finally found someone who would always be by his side. How could Susanna not be happy?Xander saw that Susanna was crying, and he said, "This is a good thing. So, why are you crying?""These are my tears of joy. I'm happy for you," Susanna wiped her tears. "I really want to see this young madam soon. I want to see how she looks; I want to..."After Xander grew up, Susanna had never spoken so much to him for a ve
Emma turned and dashed into the bathroom. She cranked the faucet on and splashed water on her face, aiming to soothe her nerves.Although they were engaged, they were still too young, with countless uncertainties looming over their future. The possibility of actually walking down the aisle was up in the air.Decisions made in a rush of happiness could eventually become sources of regret. And Emma knew all too well that she couldn't afford any regrets.She thought that fortunately, Ron hadn't pushed things further, which gave her time to cool off.After freshening up, Emma stepped out to find Ron on the balcony, a cigarette in hand.She couldn't resist chiding him, "I've told you to cut down on smoking. Why can't you seem to remember?"This time, Ron complied, snuffing out the cigarette. "We should get some sleep. We've got to put our best foot forward when we meet your family tomorrow.""Okay, I'll sleep on the couch. You take the bed," Emma responded.Ron simply replied, "As y
Ron looked at her dawdling pace with disdain. "If you, a lady, can handle it, why can't I, a grown man, stay?"His words sounded noble, but Ron regretted them the moment they arrived at the hotel.Despite now earning a decent income, Emma was still reluctant to spend money.This place was hardly a hotel; it was clearly a budget inn charging only a few dozen bucks a night. The hygiene was questionable at best, and safety seemed like a gamble.Ron turned on his heel, dragging her suitcase behind him. "We're leaving, now.""It's too late, and we can't get a refund for the room.""Are you trying to get us killed?"Emma fell silent, her thoughts a whirlwind of frustration. 'I told him he wouldn't be used to cheap places. He insisted on coming with me, and now he won't even let me stay here alone. Why is he so annoying?'However, considering Ron had rushed over in the middle of the night to help her, Emma decided not to hold it against him.Ron picked the best hotel in the area—the
Rebekah glanced over at Ron; she exchanged a knowing look with him before saying, "I'll have someone tidy up the rooms. Why don't you two stay here tonight and keep me company?"Ron replied simply, "Sure."Emma had purchased a midnight flight back to South Florivera, necessitating a rush to the airport, which made staying over after dinner impossible.Yet, she found herself at a loss for words, struggling to decline Rebekah's kind offer.As she hesitated, Ron stepped in to clear the air. "Mom, I've got something on tonight. After dinner, I'll drive Emma back to her dorm."Rebekah raised an eyebrow. "What's so important?" she wondered aloud, thinking, 'Wasn't he the one insisting Emma stay over? What's he up to now?'Ron kept it mysterious. "Life stuff."Rebekah could not help but chide him lightly, "You, always the joker."Right after dinner, Ron insisted on leaving to take Emma back to her dormitory. But as soon as they were out of the gated community, he asked, "So, you reall
Ron chuckled. "I didn't know you were aware that even a cornered rat will fight."Emma shot him a glare. "Are we going or not?"Ron quickly said, "Of course. When Miss Blue commands, how can I dare not obey?"Fearing another of his notorious driving escapades, Emma hastily buckled her seatbelt as she settled into the car.Thankfully, this time Ron kept it smooth, driving steadily.As they neared their destination, Ron finally spoke up, "You know, that Tucker guy is a married man. Don't let his kindness fool you into being the other woman."Emma's gaze on Ron was fiery, seething with anger. "Do you even hear yourself? Is that what you think of me? For the last time: Tucker and I share nothing more than a mentor-mentee relationship. There's nothing else between us.""I'm just looking out for you, worried you might get deceived," Ron said, witnessing Emma's fury for the first time. Yet, he could not help but find her anger not at all intimidating, but rather endearingly foolish.R
The two sisters had a pact: no cell phones at home to keep their secrets from the prying eyes of the Blue family. Thus, Emma could call only at prearranged times, the sole window for Rihanna to catch up.Rihanna's voice bubbled with excitement over the phone, as she chattered away about her life's minutiae.Knowing Rihanna was doing well eased Emma's mind.Just as Emma was about to end the call, she heard Rihanna's voice, soft and wistful. "You're really not coming home for the holidays? If you don't, I'll be all alone."Emma's heart clenched at those words, and she made up her mind in an instant. "I'll come back the day before New Year's Eve."The Blue family had their hands full with festivities that day, too busy to notice Rihanna's absence. Emma figured slipping back unnoticed then would be her best shot.After hanging up, Emma immediately booked a flight from Valtara to South Florivera. With her ticket secured and her last bit of work finished, Emma prepared to leave her off
Emma had no interest in romance, let alone the audacity to dream that Ron might fancy her.This time, she did not pick up the thread of conversation.After dinner, Ron, as usual, drove Emma back to the university.Before parting, Ron said, "Winter break is almost upon us, and the dorms might be off-limits. Are you sure you don't want to stay at my place for a couple of months?"Emma offered a smile in response. "Thanks for the offer. I've spoken with the dorm supervisor and submitted an application in advance. I'll be able to stay over the holiday period."Ron paused before saying, "Well, if you need anything, just let me know. I'll text you my number in a bit; make sure you save it."Emma nodded. "Sure."Without further ado, Ron drove off.Upon returning to her dorm, Emma saw Evelyn and Cassie, busy packing their bags, surrounded by gifts for their parents bought from Valtara.Evelyn asked Emma, "Are you really not going home for the winter break?"Emma replied, "No, I won't
Emma did not have the guts to risk failure because she did not have a safe haven to fall back on.Lucas kicked Ron in the shin. "Come on, if you fancy her, out with it. No Hagrid heir dithers like this."Ron glared at him. "Mind your own business." In his head, Emma was already his. The thought of losing her was unimaginable.Lucas said, "Without my meddling, she'd never be yours."Ron changed the subject. "I called you here for a serious discussion."Lucas replied, "No matter how serious, it can't outweigh the matter of your lifetime happiness."Ron was exasperated. "Lucas!"Lucas relented. "Alright, alright, you talk, I'm all ears."Ron spelled out Emma's music venture with Tucker. After hearing it all, Lucas could not help but see Emma in a new light."Never pegged Emma as such a dark horse," Lucas said.Silently listening to their conversation, Emma was thrilled to have her work recognized.Lucas said, "But, getting back to it, whether a song makes money, and how much, d
Ron barked, "Lucas!"With a chuckle, Lucas responded, "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing Emma. I'm starving. Let's grab some food and talk business while we eat."Ron snapped, "Get lost!"Lucas could not help but revel in Ron's frustration. "Ron, have you fallen so quickly? Who was it that told me they would never accept an arranged marriage?"Emma was increasingly confused by their banter. "If it's inconvenient for me to be here, I can just take a cab and leave."Ron said, "Call you dumb and you won't admit it!"Emma thought to herself, 'I didn't want to be a third wheel, cramping their style. Was that really so wrong? No good deed goes unpunished, apparently.'Suddenly, Ron grabbed Emma's hand and led her inside. "It's cold out; let's go inside."Emma had to quicken her pace, practically being dragged along.Seeing them together, Lucas laughed heartily from behind. "Ron, oh Ron, never thought I'd see the day.""Don't laugh too soon. Your day is coming," Ron shot back.Th
Emma said, "Okay."Ron asked, "Have you won over your crush?"Lucas responded, "Secret."Ron replied, "Looks like you haven't won her over."Lucas said, "As long as I make a move, there's no girl I can't win over. But I haven't made a move yet because the timing isn't right."Ron asked, "Is it because of the Sandow family?"Lucas answered, "The Sandow family wants to marry their daughter to me, and my family wants me to marry her too. But I've told them long ago that I'm not willing to do that. Nobody can make me marry a girl I don't like."Emma remained silent. 'I didn't expect that Lucas would also have the same problem as me and Ron.'It seems like the wealthier the family, the more they'll arrange marriages based on social status without considering personal preferences.'Lucas seemed to sense Emma's thoughts. "Emma, my situation with the Sandow girl is different from yours and Ron's. Don't lump us together."Ron looked at Emma and suddenly said, "There isn't any other gi